President Bola Tinubu recently held a meeting with Ogoni leaders to discuss the potential resumption of oil operations in Ogoni land, which have been halted since 1993 following widespread unrest triggered by severe environmental pollution.
In a powerful display of resilience and unity, Ogoni women have voiced their strong opposition to the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoni land, a region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta that has long suffered the devastating effects of environmental degradation and economic neglect. The women, who have been at the forefront of advocacy for environmental justice and community rights, are demanding that their voices be heard and their land protected from further exploitation.
The announcement of the planned resumption of oil activities has sparked outrage among the Ogoni people, particularly women who bear the brunt of the environmental and socio-economic impacts. For decades, oil exploration in Ogoni land has led to widespread pollution, destroying farmlands, contaminating water sources, and jeopardizing the health and livelihoods of local communities. Despite promises of clean-up and restoration, little progress has been made, leaving many to question the motives behind the renewed push for oil extraction.
At a recent gathering in Port Harcourt, Barileloo Patricia, the programme coordinator for gender and livelihood at Lekeh Development Foundation, slammed the government’s approach while speaking on behalf of the coalition.
Lezina Ntetep, coordinator of Eedee Ladies of Tai, expressed scepticism over the government’s move to resume oil exploration, citing the unfinished clean-up of polluted sites in Ogoni. She pointed out that the government had established HYPREP in 2012 to address the oil contamination issues highlighted in the 2011 UNEP Report, yet the remediation efforts remain incomplete.
Ogoni women from various communities came together to express their concerns and outline their demands. “We cannot allow our land to be destroyed again,” said one community leader. “Our children are suffering, our farms are no longer productive, and our water is poisoned. Enough is enough.”
The women emphasised that the resumption of oil extraction would only exacerbate the existing challenges faced by their communities. They called for transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement from both the government and oil companies, insisting that any plans for oil activities must prioritize the well-being of the people and the environment.
This bold stance by Ogoni women is not just a fight for environmental justice but also a testament to their role as pillars of strength and resilience in their communities. Historically, Ogoni women have been at the forefront of the struggle for justice, from the days of the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa to the present. Their unwavering commitment to protecting their land and future generations serves as an inspiration to women everywhere.
As the debate over oil extraction in Ogoni land continues, the voices of these women remind us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of powerful opposition. Their fight is a call to action for all of us to support sustainable development, environmental preservation, and the rights of marginalized communities.
For now, the Ogoni women remain steadfast in their resolve, determined to protect their land and ensure a better future for their children. Their courage and unity are a powerful reminder that when women come together, they can move mountains.
